What is the purpose of a toile in the design process?

In the design process, a toile serves as a fundamental prototype, typically made from a less expensive fabric to give designers a tangible representation of their garment ideas. By creating a toile, designers can test the fit, shape, and overall design of a garment without the commitment of using more costly materials. This early version allows for the evaluation of design details such as seams, style lines, and proportions. It is an essential step for identifying any necessary adjustments before proceeding to the final production stage. This iterative process helps ensure that the final garment not only meets the intended design ethos but also fits the user well.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of a toile; a final version of the product is typically the completed garment, a sketch indicates a design idea but lacks the physical form of a garment, and a technical specification document outlines technical details but does not serve as a physical prototype.